Commentary: Horchata is the next chai in the global beverage platform

The rapidly growing Hispanic demographic will have a big influence on global beverage platforms that include ethnically diverse flavor profiles.

Top 5 things we didn't know we should be afraid of - Part II

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Researchers have found no consistent relationship between participants' driving distance to QSR joints and their weight over a 30-year span

Boulder, Colo.: Epicenter of food innovation

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

One of the ways Naturally Boulder Products contributes to the food innovation culture is by forcing participants to pitch new ideas every other year to proven…

Market Force study shows companies wield social media influence

April 30, 2012

Social media posts by businesses influence consumers’ buying decisions as much as their friends’ posts do, according to a new study from Market Force…

Restaurant industry turns in strongest post-recession quarter

April 30, 2012

Driven by solid same-store sales and traffic results and an increasingly bullish outlook among restaurant operators, the National Restaurant Association's…

The concept of 'Reverse Innovation' in the food industry

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

Multinational corporations have forecasted that developing countries will account for 70 percent of their growth a decade from now.

Healthy beverage trend comes full circle

Frugality and a return to real, natural ingredients are leading consumers back to high-quality tea, coffee, sodas and lemonade offerings that deliver the…

Organic industry grew nearly 10 percent in 2011

April 26, 2012

The U.S. organic industry grew by 9.5 percent overall in 2011 to reach $31.5 billion in sales.

Top 5 things we didn't know we should be afraid of - part I

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

A study found that only 8 to 12 percent of gluten-free consumers said they bought gluten-free products because they or a member of their household has celiac…

McDonald's listed on EPA's Top 50 green organizations

April 24, 2012

McDonald's USA LLC (No. 11) has made its debut on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) updated list of the Top 50 Green Power Partnership…

If it's Monday, this must be meatless

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

While diners can see some personal benefits — like weight loss — from a Meatless Monday regime, restaurants can see some real bottom-line benefits.

Restaurants add multicultural training as minority populations grow

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

In the age of social media, companies should have immediate crisis plans and proactive training programs. 

Study: Salt in QSR meals varies by country

April 17, 2012

New research published earlier this week by the Canadian Medical Association Journal shows that the salt content of quick-service menu items varies…

Franchise lending on a steady upswing

April 17, 2012

Franchise lending has steadily increased throughout the past 12 months, according to the new monthly Franchise Lending Index from the International Franchise…

China leads global foodservice market recovery

April 17, 2012

Despite a continuously unpredictable global economy, there was a slight recovery for the global foodservice markets in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to…

Taco Bell Doritos Locos launch boosts brand perception

April 12, 2012

Taco Bell's new Doritos Locos Tacos appear to have lifted consumer perception of both brands, especially with regular patrons of Mexican restaurants, according…

Top 5 all-time 'contrasting' food flavor pairings

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

When you think about flavor pairings, do you think first about 'compatible flavors' or do you think first about 'contrasting flavors?'

Healthful, flavorful meals top trends at QSRs, fast casuals

April 9, 2012

As diners become more sophisticated in their tastes and desire for flavorful, healthful foods, quick-service and fast casual operators are plating up…

Study reveals how QSRs can build loyalty among Hispanic consumers

On average, Hispanics visit QSRs more than 10 times in a 30-day period, while non-Hispanics visit about seven times per month.

Kate Upton ad gives Carl's Jr. and Hardee's a major branding boost

April 2, 2012

CKE Restaurants brands Carl's Jr. and Hardee's have received a social media lift since debuting the Southwest Patty Melt commercials starring 2012 Sports…